Real Madrid Files Complaint Against Referee for Overlooking Vinícius Jr.’s Racial Abuse During Osasuna Match
Real Madrid has taken a firm stance against the neglect of reported racial abuse towards their star player, Vinícius Jr., during the team’s recent 4-2 La Liga win at Osasuna. The Spanish football giant has filed an official complaint against the match referee, Juan Martínez Munuera, for failing to document insults and humiliating chants aimed at Vinícius.
The club stated that despite repeated warnings from Real Madrid’s players, Martínez Munuera deliberately omitted the incidences of racist abuse as they were taking place. One video circulating on Spanish TV and social media clearly showcases fans chanting, “Die Vinícius, die,” which was brought to the referee’s attention by Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal.
Real Madrid’s complaint has been submitted to the Disciplinary Committee of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). The club also reported these incidents to RFEF and the State Commission against Violence, Racism, Xenophobia and Intolerance in Sports. The ultimate goal is to identify and penalize the perpetrators of these hate crimes.
Vinícius Jr. has faced numerous instances of racial abuse during matches in Spain over the past two seasons. The latest incidents occurred at Barcelona’s Montjuïc stadium and Atlético Madrid’s Metropolitano Stadium, leading Real Madrid to expand its initial complaint against hate crimes and discrimination.
Real Madrid strongly condemns the violent attacks of racism, discrimination, and hatred towards Vinícius Junior. The club demands that appropriate measures be taken to eradicate such incidents from football matches once and for all.
Osasuna, the opposing team, released a statement expressing their rejection of the insults and vowed to raise awareness and eradicate any behavior that does not conform to the values of sports.
La Liga, Spain’s top football division, has stated it cannot punish clubs or fans for incidents of racist abuse directly but can only report them to RFEF committees or regional prosecutors who deal with the cases as legal matters.
In May 2023, Spanish police detained seven individuals in relation to incidents of racist abuse directed at Vinícius Jr. Four young men were detained for allegedly hanging an effigy of the player off a bridge in Madrid, and three others for their involvement in racist insults.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has called for automatic forfeits for teams whose fans have committed racism and caused matches to be abandoned. However, the English Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) chair has stated that players feel insufficient action is being taken against racism in soccer matches.
As the football community continues to grapple with addressing and eradicating instances of racial abuse, it remains crucial that all parties – clubs, leagues, law enforcement agencies, and fans – work together to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for players and fans alike.
